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Asteroid Vesta: Spectral Reflectivity and Compositional Implications

Thomas B. McCord, John B. Adams, and Torrence V. JohnsonAuthors Info & Affiliations
Science
19 Jun 1970
Vol 168, Issue 3938
pp. 1445-1447
DOI: 10.1126/science.168.3938.1445
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Abstract

The spectral reflectivity (0.30 to 1.10 microns) of several asteroids has been measured for the first time. The reflection spectrum for Vesta contains a strong absorption band centered near 0.9 micron and a weaker absorption feature between 0.5 and 0.6 micron. The reflectivity decreases strongly in the ultraviolet. The reflection spectrum for the asteroid Pallas and probably for Ceres does not contain the 0.9-micron band. Vesta shows the strongest and best-defined absorption bands yet seen in the reflection spectrum for the solid surface of an object in the solar system. The strong 0.9-micron band arises from electronic absorptions in ferrous iron on the M2 site of a magnesian pyroxene. Comparison with laboratory measurements on meteorites and Apollo 11 samples indicates that the surface of Vesta has a composition very similar to that of certain basaltic achondrites.

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Science
Volume 168 | Issue 3938
19 June 1970

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© 1970.

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Published in print: 19 June 1970

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Authors

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Thomas B. McCord
Planetary Astronomy Laboratory, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139
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John B. Adams
Caribbean Research Institute, College of the Virgin Islands, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands
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Torrence V. Johnson
Planetary Astronomy Laboratory, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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  • Thomas B. McCord et al.
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Asteroid Vesta: Spectral Reflectivity and Compositional Implications.Science168,1445-1447(1970).DOI:10.1126/science.168.3938.1445

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